Electronic storage cartridge

ABSTRACT

According to the invention, an electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system is disclosed. The electronic data storage cartridge includes a cartridge body, a connector, an optical waveguide, and a hard disk drive. The cartridge body includes at least two outer surfaces. The connector can be used for removable coupling to the computing system, where the connector couples information outside the cartridge body. The optical waveguide is configured to couple light between the two outer surfaces. The hard drive coupled to the connector.

This application claims the benefit of and is a non-provisional of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/586,087 filed on Jul. 6, 2004, whichis incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates in general to storage systems and, morespecifically, but not by way of limitation, to storage cartridges.

Removable cartridges for data storage applications come in two basictypes: those containing storage media such as magnetic tape or magneticdisk, and those containing electronic storage elements such as flashmemory chips (e.g., Compact Flash cards). The first type of cartridge isnormally a passive mechanical device where the media (e.g., tape) ispulled out of the cartridge to contact the recording heads or where theheads are inserted into the cartridge to contact the fixed media (e.g.,a disk cartridge). The first type normally has no electrical signalspassed to the cartridge at all. In the second type, the connection withthe cartridge is made by an electrical connector and information ispassed electronically via the connector.

There are external enclosures that hold a hard drive. These enclosuresare coupled to a computer with a universal serial bus (USB) or FireWire. The computer can mount these drives into the operating systemenvironment to allow reading and writing to the hard drive. In somecases, the external enclosure has a separate power supply, while inothers, the interface cable to the computer provides the power. Often,these enclosures have embedded LEDs to show power and access to the harddrive.

There are hard drives that can be plugged-into standard computer ports.The Compact Flash form factor has compliant cards that include a smallhard drive. The PC Card or PCMCIA card format also has compliant cardswith hard drives. Both the Compact Flash and PC Card formats supportflash-based memory to allow mass storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the appendedfigures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic datastorage cartridge;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the embodiment of the electronic datastorage cartridge shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the electronicdata storage cartridge;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the electronic datastorage cartridge shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the electronic datastorage cartridge;

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are a front, top-sectional and back views of yetanother embodiment of the electronic data storage cartridge;

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a drive bay circuit card;

FIGS. 7B and 7C are a top-sectional and back views of yet anotherembodiment of the electronic data storage cartridge;

FIG. 8A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a drive bay circuit card;

FIG. 8B is a top-sectional view of still another embodiment of theelectronic data storage cartridge; and

FIG. 9 is a back view of an embodiment of a multiple-drive bay cartridgesystem.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have thesame reference label. Further, various components of the same type maybe distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a secondlabel that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the firstreference label is used in the specification, the description isapplicable to any one of the similar components having the same firstreference label irrespective of the second reference label.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The ensuing description provides preferred exemplary embodiment(s) only,and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configurationof the invention. Rather, the ensuing description of the preferredexemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with anenabling description for implementing a preferred exemplary embodimentof the invention. It being understood that various changes may be madein the function and arrangement of elements without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Specific details are given in the following description to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits maybe shown in block diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments inunnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes,algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessarydetail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a processwhich is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, astructure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describethe operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can beperformed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of theoperations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when itsoperations are completed, but could have additional steps not includedin the figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, aprocedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process correspondsto a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the functionto the calling function or the main function.

Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term “storage medium” may representone or more devices for storing data, including read only memory (ROM),random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic diskstorage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/orother machine readable mediums for storing information. The term“computer-readable medium” includes, but is not limited to portable orfixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels andvarious other mediums capable of storing, containing or carryinginstruction(s) and/or data.

Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software,firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or anycombination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middlewareor microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessarytasks may be stored in a machine readable medium such as storage medium.A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks. A code segment mayrepresent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, asubroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination ofinstructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment maybe coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passingand/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memorycontents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed,forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memorysharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

The ensuing description provides preferred exemplary embodiment(s) only,and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configurationof the invention. Rather, the ensuing description of the preferredexemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with anenabling description for implementing a preferred exemplary embodimentof the invention. It being understood that various changes may be madein the function and arrangement of elements without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

An embodiment of an electronic data storage cartridge discloses aninvention where electronic emitters or indicators (e.g. LEDs) arecontained in the cartridge to provide the user with cartridge status andactivity. These indicators may be controlled by external electronics viadedicated connections to the cartridge or by electronics containedinside the electronic data storage cartridge.

In one embodiment, the electronic data storage cartridge uses anelectrical connector to interface to the contained storage medium whichmay be electronic memory (e.g. flash), a HDD or other type of medium.The electronic data storage cartridge can include an optical waveguidethat allows light to pass through the electronic data storage cartridge.The optical waveguide can pass light generated by the docking bay orsocket and passed through the electronic data storage cartridge suchthat the light is visible when the electronic data storage cartridge isinserted in the socket.

In another embodiment, there is no LED within the electronic datacartridge. A passive design is used to indicate status and activity.Embedded in the electronic data storage cartridge are one or morepassive optical waveguides. The waveguides are fabricated from plastics(i.e., optical-grade clear acrylic or Lexan polycarbonate plastics) orany other translucent material. The difference between the indices ofrefraction between the waveguide material and the surrounding air orcartridge shell causes any visible light that is coupled into one theend of the waveguide to be contained inside the waveguide by theprincipal of total internal reflection. The light therefore propagatesto the other end(s) of the waveguide where it is emitted.

Other embodiments could use both internal and external emitters forstatus. A mixture of emitters powered from within the cartridge and oneor more optical waveguides passively conveying light could be used. Inone of these embodiments, an optical waveguide is coupled to an emitterwithin the cartridge body and coupled to an emitter in the drive bay toalternatively pass light. The light from the various sources could be ofdifferent colors that can be mixed in the optical waveguide.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides intelligentoperation and status reporting in electronic data storage cartridgescontaining an electronically-based storage medium such as a hard diskdrive, flash memory, etc. Electronic data storage cartridges are subjectto operational and failure conditions that are not normally present inpassive type of data cartridges such as tape or optical disks. There iselectrical power applied to these electronic data storage cartridgeswhile they are in operation (e.g., plugged into their docking bay, drivebay or socket). This embodiment provides for internal electronics whichprovide intelligent features that include: optical waveguide(s) and/orinternal emitters; sensing or cartridge insertion and ejection; sensingof shock, vibration or over-voltage conditions which might damage thestorage device; status indication of cartridge status (e.g., ready,power on, transferring data, error condition, etc.); sensing ofwrite-protect switch state; and/or cartridge identification (e.g.,serial number, bar code data, IP address, RFID, etc.).

An electronic data storage cartridge containing a storage medium such asa hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory or other solid-state memory, whichalso includes a set of embedded electronics for the purpose of providingintelligence and additional features to the electronic data storagecartridge that are removable from the host system. Besides housingstorage media that normally have power provided, the electronic datastorage cartridge could include a magnetic disk(s) or tape mediainstead. During use, the electronic data storage cartridge is insertedinto a bay or drive. This insertion is similar in manner to those oftape drives such that 10%, 20%, 30% . . . 100% (or any amount ofinsertion in the range of 10-100%) of the width or length is insertedinto the bay when operating.

In one embodiment, the storage medium is a hard disk. For example, a 1″,1.8″, 2.5″ or 3.5″ hard drive could be used. The hard drive could beself-contained in that it could operate outside of the cartridge as itis largely a standard hard drive. The hard drive would have its ownenclosure within the cartridge. The firmware may be slightly modified tosupport other functions of the electronic data storage cartridge.

Some embodiments could have a battery or capacitor for backup, anelectronic display and/or power while shutting down. The persistent ortransient power could be used to orderly shutdown the electronics whenan unexpected removal of the electronic data storage cartridge or powerloss happens. Persistent power could keep the display and statusindicators active. Some portion of the electronic data storage cartridgemay remain powered while the electronic data storage cartridge is out ofthe drive, while other circuits are put in a sleep mode.

Many different functions are possible for an electronic data storagecartridge with embedded electronics. Some of the functions that can beimplemented are: internal diagnostics of the storage device andcartridge; sensing of excessive shock, vibration and other environmentalconditions; sensing of excessive voltage or static electricity;cartridge identifications (e.g. serial #, IP address, bar-code, RFID,etc.); sensing of cartridge insertion and ejection from it's dockingconnector or drive bay; control of cartridge ejection or removal fromit's connector or drive bay; status indication (e.g. ready, power-on,error conditions, transferring data, etc.); write protect switch toprevent modifying data on the cartridge when the write protect switch isactive; eject button for controlling removal of the cartridge from it'sconnector or bay; an electronic eject latch could be integral to theelectronic data storage cartridge and actuated by the electronics underthe control of the host computer.

The intelligence can be implemented by way of an embeddedmicrocontroller and associated interface electronics and sensors mountedon a printed circuit board inside the electronic data storage cartridge.The one or more PCBs also host the electronic data storage cartridgeconnector and memory device.

One embodiment has an eject/release button on the electronic datastorage cartridge. Conventional storage drives have some separatemechanism to signal removal of the electronic data storage cartridge(e.g. an icon on the computer screen or button on the system or drivefront panel). If the device is removed without first activating thesystem mechanism, error conditions or damage to the electronic datastorage cartridge can result. By including the eject/release function inthe electronic data storage cartridge itself, errors are prevented. Theuser would activate the button and the drive would eject the electronicdata storage cartridge after proper shutdown. This eject/release couldbe a mechanical button, touch sensing electronic button, a soft buttonpresented on a touch sensitive screen, etc.

Another embodiment could mechanically lock the electronic data storagecartridge into the drive bay until a proper shutdown. Activation of theeject button would cause an orderly shutdown of the electronic datastorage cartridge. Once the shutdown is complete, the mechanical lockwould be disengaged to allow removal of the cartridge. Other embodimentscould keep the electronic data storage cartridge internal to andinaccessible in the drive bay until shutdown and eject of the electronicdata storage cartridge.

Yet another embodiment could have shock sensing. In the case of a harddisk drive (HDD) as the storage medium in the electronic data storagecartridge, which is sensitive to excessive shock and vibration, anembedded shock sensor can detect an over-shock condition and provide awarning to the user and to the system. If the sensor is of a latchingtype, the condition can be sense even when power is removed by themicrocontroller once it is next powered up. The sensor information canbe used in warranty repair situations to confirm the damage isn't causedby the mistreatment of the electronic data storage cartridge. The shocksensor could automatically park the heads of the HDD before furtherdamaging the disk.

When the electronic data storage cartridge is out of the bay, the shocksensor could be powered to wake certain functions of the electronic datastorage cartridge. For example, the display could activate when movementis sensed. After a period of time, the display could automatically gointo sleep mode.

One embodiment could do encryption and/or compression for the datawritten to the electronic data storage cartridge. These circuits couldimprove over time to provide better performing electronic data storagecartridges even when the storage media remains the same.

Some electronic data storage cartridges could have authorization andauthentication functions. An embodiment of the electronic data storagecartridge could require authorization (e.g., a password) before allowingnew data before allowing access to the storage media. Authenticationcould be performed by the electronic data storage cartridge to confirmthe drive is allowed to access this storage media. Electronic datastorage cartridges could be locked to a particular drive, a particulardrive manufacture and/or a defined group of drives. Authenticationprevents the electronic data storage cartridge from working inunapproved drives. One method of authentication could be to use aprivate/public key encryption for the data.

One embodiment includes some type of status indication. An LED orLCD-type indicator on the back of the electronic data storage cartridgecan indicate the state of the electronic data storage cartridge (e.g.transferring data, idle, error conditions, power applied, etc.). Thestatus indicator can work in conjunction with the eject/release buttonto inform the user when it's OK to remove the electronic data storagecartridge. The LED emitter could be within the electronic data storagecartridge and/or passed through the electronic data storage cartridgewith an optical waveguide.

Some embodiments could include a display that has information about theelectronic data storage cartridge. For example, a title, time of lastbackup, capacity used, capacity remaining, error conditions, could bewritten to this display. A battery back-up could keep the display activebetween uses. A button, such as the eject button, could be used to onlyactivate the display a short period of time to conserve power. Thesoftware program on the host system could be used to program theinformation on this display.

One embodiment of the electronic data storage cartridge hasself-contained eject button and status indicators. Conventional systemsput these on the drive outside the bay and not the electronic datastorage cartridge. By putting these on the electronic data storagecartridge, the drive faceplate can be smaller. An electronic datastorage cartridge housing a HDD with embedded eject button and statusindicators reduce the size of the front-panel on the mating systemthereby allowing the system to fit into a smaller package such as a 3.5″computer peripheral drive bay or 2U rack mount, for example.

In an alternative embodiment of the electronic data storage cartridge,there is no separate microprocessor in the cartridge case, but couldhave electronic circuits such as state machines. Instead, themicroprocessor embedded inside the HDD provides the intelligence andinterface between the cartridge sensing/status circuits and the hostsystem. In one embodiment, the hard disk drive (HDD) communicates withthe host system via a standard parallel ATA, parallel SCSI, serial-ATA(SATA) or serial SCSI (SAS) interface (these interfaces are at leastsome of the signals on the cartridge connector). The internalmicroprocessor of the HDD interfaces via a set of I/O pins on the HDD tothe various circuits external to the HDD, but within the electronic datastorage cartridge. The software, which provides the intelligence relatedto those sensors/indicators in the electronic data storage cartridge,runs on the HDD's microprocessor.

For communication between the cartridge circuitry (i.e., outside theHDD, but within the electronic data storage cartridge) and the hostsystem, communication protocols within the SCSI, ATA, SATA or SASinterface are used to convey signals and/or messages back and forth inone embodiment. This particular feature is used in systemimplementations where the only electrical interface available betweenthe electronic data storage cartridge and the system is a standardizedinterface such as SATA, SAS or SCSI. These interfaces do not provideunused I/O pins for transferring other signals such as those present inthe electronic data storage cartridge, so the command protocols withinthese standards is used. In one embodiment, the HDD or backup softwareincludes modifications which define status and action conditions thatare communicated to the host system over the standard interfaces'facilities for vendor-unique commands & status. In this new inventionfor a very low-cost solution, the only connection between the cartridgedocking bay and the host is the HDD interface such as SATA. There is noway interface the signals of an unload button or status indicatorsdirectly because there are no available I/O pins.

In an electronic data storage cartridge with an electrical connection,the invention has several attributes. First, it can provide for a visualindication of when an electronic data storage cartridge has beeninserted and positively engaged to the mating connector. In this case,one of the indicators turns on (e.g., green). When data transferactivity is occurring, the indicator may blink. This provides the userwith a visual indication that the electronic data storage cartridgeshould not be removed.

Many data cartridges include a write-protect feature—normally amechanical switch which engages with the mating system. In many cases,the position of the switch is not visible once the cartridge is loaded.An optical indicator (e.g., red) can be illuminated to signal when theelectronic data storage cartridge is write-protected. The indicators canalert the user of an error or fault condition in the electronic datastorage cartridge (e.g., blinking alternately). Where the emitter forthe indicator is within the drive bay, there is an optical interface orconnector to a waveguide in the electronic data storage cartridge.

With reference to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an embodiment of anelectronic data storage cartridge 100 is shown. This embodiment has twostatus indicators 104. The indicators 104 are on the back of theelectronic data storage cartridge 100 and could each be a single coloror multiple colors. Various information could be reflected by thesestatus indicators, for example, read active, write active, writeprotected, error, power applied, cartridge locked into the drive bay,etc.

Referring next to FIG. 2, a block diagram of the embodiment of theelectronic data storage cartridge 200-1 is shown. This block diagramcorresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 1. Within the electronic datastorage cartridge 100 are interface circuits 216 that are coupled to aconnector 204. The interface circuits 216 drive the status indicators104. A storage medium 212 within the storage cartridge holds theinformation for the electronic data storage cartridge[200-1?]. Thestorage medium 212 could be a hard drive or flash memory based. In thisembodiment, the storage medium 212 is a standard off-the-shelf harddrive mounted in the cartridge 208. Shock absorbing material could beused in mounting the storage medium 212.

With reference to FIG. 3, a perspective view of another embodiment ofthe electronic data storage cartridge 100-2 is shown. In addition tostatus indicators 104, this embodiment includes an eject button 304 onthe back of the electronic data storage cartridge 100-2. The ejectbutton 304 is an electronic or mechanical button that indicates to theelectronic data storage cartridge 100-2 and drive bay that the userwishes to shut down the electronic data storage cartridge 100-2 and haveit ejected. Activation of the eject button 304 would deactivate anymechanical lock that some embodiments include.

Referring next to FIG. 4, a block diagram of another embodiment of theelectronic data storage cartridge 200-2 is shown. This block diagramcorresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 3. The connector 204 is coupled tothe storage medium 212 and a microcontroller or processor 412. Themicrocontroller 412 can interface with the storage medium, interfacecircuits 416 and an identification (ID) device 408. The interfacecircuits 416 interface with the eject button 304, the status indicators104 and a shock sensor 420. Other embodiments could include a subset ofthese blocks.

The ID device 408 holds a unique serial number for the electronic datastorage cartridge 200-2. Some embodiments could include a RFID tag inthe ID device to allow reading of the electronic data storage cartridge200-2 in more flexible ways. The ID device could also store otherinformation such as status, authentication keys, authorization keys,encryption keys, hours of activity, error conditions, etc.

The shock sensor is used in this embodiment to protect the storagemedium 212 if it has moving parts. For example, a hard drive can bedamaged with excessive acceleration or deceleration. The shock sensor420 could measure movement, report it to the microcontroller 412 whowould cause the storage medium to park the hard drive heads.

With reference to FIG. 5, a block diagram of another embodiment of theelectronic data storage cartridge 200-3 is shown. This embodiment usesthe microprocessor 504 within the storage medium 212 to control circuitsoutside the storage medium 212. The firmware of the storage medium couldbe rewritten for an off-the-shelf hard drive to support these extrafunctions. This figure shows use of a write protect switch 406 that ismechanically actuated. When active, the electronic data storagecartridge 200-3 cannot have its stored data modified.

Referring next to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, a back view 600, top-sectionalview 610 and front view 620 of yet another embodiment of the electronicdata storage cartridge 100 are shown. FIG. 6A shows the connector end ofthe electronic data storage cartridge 100 with the two exposed waveguideends 608. The waveguide ends 608 can be thought of as an opticalconnector. FIG. 6B shows the inside of the electronic data storagecartridge containing the electronic storage medium (e.g., HDD) 212 andits dedicated connector 204 along with the waveguides 612. Thewaveguides couple light from an emitter of the drive bay to the back ofthe electronic data storage cartridge 100. FIG. 6C shows the oppositeside of the electronic data storage cartridge (which faces the user whenthe electronic data storage cartridge 100 is inserted into its matingdrive bay) and the indicator ends 616 of the waveguides 612. Thisembodiment has two waveguides 612 than can each couple one or multiplecolor light.

With reference to FIG. 7A, a block diagram of an embodiment of a drivebay circuit card 700 is shown. The electronic data storage cartridge 100is normally coupled to an assembly 700 containing the mating connector712 to the storage medium. This assembly (typically a PCB) also containsone or more light sources 708 such as LEDs which are aligned to the endsof the waveguides when the electronic data storage cartridge is insertedinto the mating connector. The LEDs are controlled by electroniccircuits 704 contained on the PCB to indicate various status conditions.When one or more LEDs are turned on, the indicator end 616 of thewaveguide 612 on the front of the electronic data storage cartridge 100is illuminated by the light emitted from the corresponding LED.

Referring next to FIGS. 7B and 7C, a top-sectional and front views ofyet another embodiment of the electronic data storage cartridge areshown. These are shown aligned with the drive bay circuit card 700.

With reference to FIG. 8A, a block diagram of another embodiment of adrive bay circuit card 700 is shown. This embodiment shows a variationwhere a waveguide 612 can be coupled to a multi-colored LED 808 toprovide multi-colored indications with a single waveguide 612. Someembodiments could have one color emitter on the drive bay circuit card700 and another color emitter within the cartridge 208 that are bothcoupled to the waveguide 612.

Referring next to FIG. 8B, a top-sectional view of still anotherembodiment of the electronic data storage cartridge 100 is shown. Thisembodiment show the single waveguide 612. The connector 204 is astandard PATA or SATA interface in this embodiment. No additionalelectrical interface is used for the electronic data storage cartridge100.

With reference to FIG. 9, a front view of an embodiment of a multipledrive bay cartridge system 900 is shown. In conventional systems, thefunctions of the status LEDs or optical wavguides are incorporated intothe front panel or bezel of a system. However, as system designs getsmaller in size, there may not be sufficient space on the front panel.FIG. 9 shows an example application where the use of invention isimportant. The cartridge system 900 in FIG. 9 is an array of removabledata electronic data storage cartridges 100 packed densely into anenclosure 912. The available space may not provide adequate room for theindicators for each electronic data storage cartridge to be located onthe front panel. In this application, the visual indication is obviouslyassociated with its own electronic data storage cartridge. A common setand controls 908 and user display 904 is used to navigate and controlthe cartridge system 900.

While the principles of the invention have been described above inconnection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearlyunderstood that this description is made only by way of example and notas limitation on the scope of the invention.

1. An electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to acomputing system, the storage cartridge comprising: a cartridge body,wherein the cartridge body includes at least two outer surfaces; aconnector for removable coupling to the computing system, wherein theconnector couples information outside the cartridge body; an opticalwaveguide configured to couple light between the two outer surfaces; anda hard disk drive coupled to the connector.
 2. The electronic datastorage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system asrecited in claim 1, wherein: the cartridge body is configured forremovable insertion of at least 20% of a length or width of thecartridge body into a bay, the bay comprises a mating connector for theconnector, and the bay allows removable insertion of the cartridge body.3. The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to thecomputing system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a writeprotect switch, which is a mechanical switch on the cartridge body thatprevents modification of information on the hard disk drive when active.4. The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to thecomputing system as recited in claim 1, wherein the two outer surfacesare on opposite ends of the storage cartridge.
 5. The electronic datastorage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system asrecited in claim 1, wherein the hard disk drive is restrained betweenthe at least two outer surfaces.
 6. The electronic data storagecartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited inclaim 1, wherein the connector is at least one of an optical connectorand an electrical connector.
 7. The electronic data storage cartridgefor removable coupling to the computing system as recited in claim 1,further comprising electronic circuitry within the cartridge body andcoupled to the connector.
 8. The electronic data storage cartridge forremovable coupling to the computing system as recited in claim 1,wherein the hard disk drive comprises a serial advanced technologyattachment (SATA) or parallel advanced technology attachment (PATA)interface.
 9. The electronic data storage cartridge for removablecoupling to the computing system as recited in claim 1, wherein one endof the optical waveguide provides a status indicator that indicates atleast one of: access of the storage cartridge; and power to the storagecartridge.
 10. The electronic data storage cartridge for removablecoupling to the computing system as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising an ejection selection means for signaling to the computingsystem that the storage cartridge should be unlocked and/or ejected. 11.An electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to acomputing system, the storage cartridge comprising: a cartridge body,wherein the cartridge body includes an outer surface; a connector forremovable coupling to the computing system, wherein the connectorcouples information outside the cartridge body; an optical waveguideconfigured to couple light from outside the outer surface to an insideof the cartridge body; and a storage medium coupled to the connector.12. The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to thecomputing system as recited in claim 11, wherein the storage mediumcomprises an off-the-shelf hard disk drive.
 13. The electronic datastorage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system asrecited in claim 11, wherein the storage medium uses solid state memoryto store information.
 14. The electronic data storage cartridge forremovable coupling to the computing system as recited in claim 11,wherein the storage medium comprises a hard disk drive usable if theself-contained hard disk drive were removed from the cartridge body. 15.The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to thecomputing system as recited in claim 11, wherein: the cartridge body isconfigured for removable insertion of at least 20% of a length or widthof the cartridge body into a bay, the bay comprises a mating connectorfor the connector, and the bay allows removable insertion of thecartridge body.
 16. The electronic data storage cartridge for removablecoupling to the computing system as recited in claim 11, furthercomprising a lock mechanism engageable to allow locking the cartridgebody within a bay.
 17. The electronic data storage cartridge forremovable coupling to the computing system as recited in claim 11,further comprising an emitter within the cartridge body, wherein theemitter is coupled to the optical waveguide.
 18. An electronic datastorage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system, thestorage cartridge comprising: a cartridge body, wherein the cartridgebody includes an outer surface; a connector for removable coupling tothe computing system, wherein the connector couples information outsidethe cartridge body; an optical waveguide configured transport incidentlight through the outer surface; and a storage medium coupled to theconnector, wherein: the cartridge body is configured for removableinsertion of at least 20% of a length or width of the cartridge bodyinto a bay, the bay comprises a mating connector for the connector, andthe bay allows removable insertion of the cartridge body.
 19. Theelectronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to thecomputing system as recited in claim 18, wherein the optical waveguideis configured to couple light from outside the outer surface to aninside of the cartridge body.
 20. The electronic data storage cartridgefor removable coupling to the computing system as recited in claim 18,wherein the storage medium comprises a hard disk drive.
 21. Theelectronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to thecomputing system as recited in claim 18, further comprising a lockmechanism engageable to allow locking the cartridge body within the bay.22. The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to thecomputing system as recited in claim 18, further comprising a statusindicator emitting light from within the cartridge body.
 23. Theelectronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to thecomputing system as recited in claim 18, wherein the optical waveguideemits light visible at the surface of the electronic data storagecartridge.